Fort Worth Tradition Celebrates the Season

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT^®) and Fort Worth Botanic Garden invite visitors to celebrate fall in the Japanese Garden while exploring the arts and culture of Japan during the Nov. 7-8 Fall Japanese Festival. 

Hosted in cooperation with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the festival includes cultural demonstrations, performances, unique shopping opportunities and fantastic foods.  

Special care and planning have gone into ensuring that the event meets all of the safety requirements of the Tarrant County Health Department. “We want everyone to enjoy this annual fall tradition, but we want to do it in a way that is safe for everyone involved,” said Vice President for Horticulture and Assistant Director Bob Byers. 

The main attraction will be the Japanese Garden itself, which is now aglow with fall color. “The maples are turning red and yellow, and the views are incredible,” said Byers.  

At the same time, performers and vendors will showcase the culture of Japan. Highlights include: 

• Performances by two Taiko drumming groups, karate experts and Master Swordsman G.K. Sugai. 
• Displays of the miniature worlds of bonsai trees from the Fort Worth Bonsai Society, and demonstrations in Origami, Calligraphy and Japanese Games. 
• Vendors selling treasures from origami jewelry to anime plush figures, star charts to crafts made with vintage kimonos. 
• Food from Asian food trucks preparing delicious meals and snacks, as well as authentic Japanese cuisine prepared by the Fort Worth Japanese Society. 

• Tickets are included with the price of Botanic Garden admission ($12) and must be bought online to adhere to admission limits for the Festival. To purchase tickets, visit: fwbg.org/events/2020/11/7/japanese-fall-festival-2020  
• Members receive free entry, but still must register in advance. To become a member, visit fwgrow.org   
• Guests entering the Garden must have their temperature checked and masks will be required for this event. 
• Performances have been moved outside of the Japanese Garden to ensure plenty of space between performers and the public.   
• Hand sanitizing stations will be positioned around the Garden, and vendors will provide sanitizer at their booths.  

“The Fall Japanese Festival is a beloved tradition here in Fort Worth, and I’m thrilled we’ve found ways to continue the event while keeping everyone safe,” said Byers. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Japanese Garden.”